Significant Cuts Are Coming In Scotland's Budgets

24th May 2024

Scotland's top civil servant has warned First Minister John Swinney that "significant" cuts will be required to balance public finances.

Permanent Secretary John-Paul Marks said the budget-setting process this year was "one of the hardest experiences of prioritisation" since devolution.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison earlier confirmed that publication of the government's medium term financial strategy and tax plans would be delayed until 20 June due to the recent change in first minister.

Mr Marks was appearing before the finance and public administration committee on Tuesday for his annual wide-ranging evidence session.

The Scottish government has faced financial pressure in recent budgets.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission previously cautioned that the country faced a deficit of £1bn by the end of this year and £1.9bn by the end of 2027-28 if changes were not made.

Read the full BBC article HERE